I have mixed feelings about my race at Pine to Palm this year. I am proud of my accomplishment – I always said my goal was to finish - but it is distinctly unsatisfying. I know this sounds ungrateful. Here’s my race recap.

The forecast on race day was for very hot weather, 38C. I have never run in temperatures that warm, so I had no idea how I would respond to this. I decided I would try to go a little faster in the morning/evening and just survive the hottest part of the day. Pushing myself in the heat would just make me sick.

At 6am the race started. I’ll try to stick to the pertinent details as this race report could get very long very quickly.

All of the uphill trails on this course had very moderate grades with meandering routes. This was a very runnable race if you could handle the downhills.

Despite the moderate grade, the hike up to the summit of Little Greyback was slow. Near the summit it was maddeningly slow. I resisted the urge to pass people.

The view at the top was beautiful and I was in a happy place.

The descent from Little Greyback was steep. Again the pace was slower than I would have liked and I resisted the urge to pass anybody.

The stretch of road from O’Brien to Seattle Bar was loooong. It got hot during this stretch. I started to feel my legs tighten up. I do not run much on the road at all, especially in the summer. The road took a lot out of me. I began to feel slight twinges in my IT bands

It felt like heaven to get back on some single-track a couple of miles before Seattle Bar. The smile was back on my face

I got into Seattle Bar nearly an hour ahead of my arbitrary schedule. Matt was there to refill my pack with ice and fill up a handkerchief with ice for around my neck. I took a quick dip in the river before heading out. My legs felt tired but I was otherwise good.

I hiked up to Stein Butte at a moderate pace but still passed several runners. I met up with a 4-time veteran of P2P and hiked at his pace for a while until he told me to move on ahead. The view on Stein Butte was beautiful and I made a conscious effort to appreciate it despite the fact that the heat was starting to get to me. Downhills were getting quite painful with the tightness in my IT bands. I vaguely thought that I should increase my electrolytes. I never did.

I arrived at Stein Butte with 2 sips of water to spare. They refilled my pack while I drank a cup of Sprite and had a sponge shower. It was wonderful. I sat for a couple of minutes, but sitting is a waste of time so I grabbed a can of Sprite for the road and took off towards Squaw Lakes. It was around this point that I realized there would be no more downhill running for me today. I wasn’t even 60km into the race and my IT bands were totally seized up.

The steep descent to Squaw Lakes should have been fun, but every time I tried to increase the pace the pain in my knees was sickening. It would literally take my breath away, and I had to stop and regroup several times. I was so thankful for my poles, they were the only thing that allowed me to keep moving.

Squaw Lakes was awesome! I arrived at the aid station and was cheered on like some kind of rock star. This was one of the highlights of my race. Matt and Mike were waiting at the aid station and I complained to them about my ITBs and some blisters on my heels. Mike was kind enough to tape up my heels and lend me his Tiger Tail to roll out my legs. Matt refilled my pack and handed me my handheld. We ran around the lake together at a slow pace. Matt was so happy and talkative, the conversation really lifted my spirits.

We got back into the aid station and I rolled out my legs one more time. While I was rolling, my friends Adam and Kim arrived. Kim was obviously suffering badly from the heat. I had never seen her look like that before. I told Matt and Mike to look after her before I took off down the road.

**First organizational issue - I later found out there was no medical help at Squaw Lakes. Kim was really sick, I was genuinely afraid for her. I strongly believe that medical professional should have been at this aid station. If it was a choice between medical at Seattle Bar or medical at Squaw Lakes, it should be at Squaw Lakes, simply because Stein Butte really beats people up.**

The Tiger Tail worked temporary wonders. I was able to run much of the downhill to the next water stop. I played music over my speaker phone and my spirits were high as I sang along. Soon I began the long climb up to Hanley Gap. I passed a few more people and I began to wonder if maybe my ITBs were recovered enough for me to salvage a decent time from this race. They weren’t.

I enjoyed the single-track up to Hanley Gap, and I was very pleased to make it up there before sunset. When I reached the aid station I discovered that Matt was not there yet. Matt had my headlamp, so this was a bit of a deal, but not a huge panic. It was only a mile up to the summit of Squaw Peak , so I opted to hike up there headlamp-less and hope that Matt would appear by the time I made it back.

Squaw Peak was another highlight of the race for me and I sat down on the cot at the top to enjoy the sunset. After a few minutes I hobbled back down, possibly faster than a walking pace. Matt’s smiling face was at the bottom to greet me. I guess the crew driving instructions had a typo on them. A lot of crews were lost.

**Second (and last) organizational issue - crews should have accurate directions with signs at important intersections. End rant**

I changed my shoes from Altras to Pure Grits before leaving the aid station. I didn’t notice the blisters on my heels again (I should have changed shoes sooner). I also put some topical pain reliever on my knees to numb the pain. Matt mentioned he had beer in the car, that made me smile. I enjoyed ½ a bottle before letting him finish the rest.

There was a long section of gravel road from Hanley Gap to Dutchman Peak, but for some reason it didn’t bother me much. I had my phone on speaker and I hike/ran my way along the road. I stopped for too long at the next aid station and enjoyed a couple of cups of broth. Finally it was time for the long grind up to Dutchman. I was in good spirits until I heard the music drifting down from the aid station. I turned my speaker phone off and I think this is exactly where my spirits dropped. You could hear the music from Dutchman for miles before you ever got there. It was torture.

Sometime after midnight I finally arrived at Dutchman’s Peak where I met my pacer Dan. He had been waiting for hours (and hours) for me, I felt terrible. I said ‘hi’ to Matt before collapsing in a chair by the fire. I was spent.

I sipped on some coffee and Coke, put on some warm clothes and grabbed some Twizzlers for the road. I love Twizzlers and I was super excited to munch on them during the long hike on the PCT towards Long John Saddle. I was unable to run down the hills and I was so sorry that Dan had to wait for me. I tried snacking on a Twizzler for energy but quickly found out that American Twizzlers are not the same as Canadian Twizzlers. I was so disappointed that I couldn’t even get myself to eat it. I spent much of the rest of the hike on the PCT trying to wash the taste from my mouth.

As time passed I was feeling increasingly sleepy so I bargained with Dan to let me nap at the next aid station. The promise of a nap motivated me to keep walking as fast as I could manage. After what seemed like forever we arrived at Long John Saddle. I ate some grilled cheese sandwiches, a tiny bit of Pepsi, and some broth. Then I had a 20 minute nap on a cot, it was over too soon, but I think it helped.

It took me awhile to get going post-nap, but eventually I was able to run a few strides mixed in with the walking. We arrived at the base of Wagnar Butte as the sun was lightening the sky. I sat down on a chair and nodded off while Dan went and changed into shorts. While we were hanging out Adam caught up to us. It was great to see him as he brought some much needed energy to our somber pair. The three of us headed up to Wagnar Butte in somewhat better spirits. Only 20 miles to go …

True to form, the trail took the longest possible route up the mountain. I was feeling a little homesick for my steep but direct Rocky Mountain trails. We left our packs at the start of the out and back to the summit. This was a mistake. The out and back was much longer than expected. I started to get grouchy. Again.

I was silently dreading the scramble to the summit. How was I going to scramble when I couldn’t bend my knees? Somehow I made it up and we sat up there for a moment. I tried to enjoy the views and not think about the long 15 mile descent ahead of me.

The scramble off the summit was excruciating and I was temporarily crippled. Adam decided to go ahead while I slowly regained my ability to walk on the steep descent down Wagnar Butte. If only I could run, this would be so much fun…

I didn’t spend much time at the last full aid station, but they had some peanut butter Gus there, as well as Coke, so that cheered me up a bit. I stuffed by pockets in anticipation of the long hobble to the finish line.

Dan and I walk/ran the road to the finish. I felt encouraged as my runs were slowly getting longer. I was impatient to be done.

Suddenly I had to use the washroom. I stepped off onto the embankment, lost my footing, and sh&t myself a little in the process. I couldn’t help but laugh at my predicament. I used my last wet wipe to clean up. Dan and I had a good laugh, I hope I didn’t smell too bad.

After my tumble there was a pain at the top of my calf that I just couldn’t run through. It felt like my calf was going to rip in two. I walked from there all the way to the finish line. It was torture to be so close to the finish, all downhill, and not be able to move any faster.

Prior to the race I thought the finish line would be filled with joy and happiness, but the biggest feeling I had when I got to that line was relief. Relief that it was over. Relief that I am as tough as I thought I was. Relief that I wouldn’t have another DNF to add to my resume.

This was my first 100mile race, and I am very happy to have finished it without any lasting injuries. I am proud of the determination I showed – even when it hurt to run very early on in the race, I never questioned that I would find a way to the finish line. At the same time, this race was distinctly unsatisfying. The lack or running meant that never once was I out of breath during this race. I never felt like I was pushing the limit, I merely survived until the end.

I have a distinct feeling of unfinished business – there will definitely be more 100milers in my future and possibly a future P2P. Hal says next year there will be more trail …

Post-race ramblings:

As soon as I finished the race I sat down on a cot and Hal brought me chocolate milk and ice water. I thought it was awesome that Hal was there taking care of all the runners, especially since his wife was due to have a baby at any moment.

Another volunteer wrapped some ice around my injured calf. This seemed like a good idea until I tried to walk and discovered my calf was totally seized. I couldn’t straighten my leg and my foot was frozen in a pointed position. It took two days before I could walk somewhat normally again.

We spent the next day in Ashland and stopped by Rogue Valley Runners before exploring the rest of the town. Ashland is a very cool little city and I only wish I wasn’t crippled so that I could enjoy it more. Another reason why I might be back at this race …

Overall I would recommend this race. I found the course markings obvious, not overly abundant, but very clear when they needed to be. The volunteers were awesome and the aid stations were well-stocked. I love my finisher’s swag, especially the necklace and stein. The views were excellent and I feel a little guilty that I wasn’t in a better mood to enjoy them.

Congrats again!!!! You're a tough and BA gal!! I don't know whether I would have been able to fight through all that and finish. Especially with the heat that y'all faced. Really good stuff. I have a feeling that your next one is gonna be much better.

What an amazing read. I could totally feel your frustration. You made it, but I doubt the finish was ever really a question for you. A snarky ITB followed by a cranked calf. Wow. I hope you are recovering well.

I know what you mean about it feeling unsatisfying. The Death Race wasn't as far but it left me with a similar feeling. We have expectations as to how the race will unfold and when it doesn't deliver...

From watching you online hitting the checkpoints I conjured a different story. I wish you could've gotten some more actual running in. Hope the recovery has gone well.

Congratulations! It might not have been your "best race ever" but it was still a WS Qualifier and made for a wonderful Race Report...well worrth the read. I'll be thinking of your determination when I hit the tough spots at Rocky Raccoon.

Congratulations on your 100 mile finish! Its too bad that you had to deal with those IT Band problems. I wonder if they were partly caused by the heat and a slight electrolyte deficiency. You were still amazing out there, to tough out your first 100 mile finish. I'm sure you'll do so much better in your next one!

I was on the edge of my seat reading every word of this. It is an odd feeling when your goal race takes a turn in a direction you didn't expect, and you deal with the inner conflict between "I'm going to get this done" and "This isn't how I wanted to do this". Ultimately, we end up just shrinking our attitude to "Move forward."

We are all incredibly proud of you, and I look forward to seeing what you set your sights on next. You seem like you'd be fun to tackle a trail with.

Very proud of the way you gutted it out! We had a friend who ran and he was talking about how hot is was on the course, the heat is no joke and you played it smart. I have no doubt that you will smash your next one! :-)

Congratulations on your 100 mile finish! Its too bad that you had to deal with those IT Band problems. I wonder if they were partly caused by the heat and a slight electrolyte deficiency. You were still amazing out there, to tough out your first 100 mile finish. I'm sure you'll do so much better in your next one!

Thanks I'm pretty sure the ITB issues were due to electrolyte deficiency as I've only ever felt that problem during hot races. This was the hottest race I've done, so I should have expected it and adjusted my electrolyte intake. Next time ...

I was on the edge of my seat reading every word of this. It is an odd feeling when your goal race takes a turn in a direction you didn't expect, and you deal with the inner conflict between "I'm going to get this done" and "This isn't how I wanted to do this". Ultimately, we end up just shrinking our attitude to "Move forward."

We are all incredibly proud of you, and I look forward to seeing what you set your sights on next. You seem like you'd be fun to tackle a trail with.

I was very motivated to finish this race, so it would have taken a lot worse than that not to have finished. This is the first race I've finished where I haven't been able to finish strong, I think that's why I have such mixed feelings.

I really want to go down to your neck of the woods for some trail running, but I need more vacation time ...

Very proud of the way you gutted it out! We had a friend who ran and he was talking about how hot is was on the course, the heat is no joke and you played it smart. I have no doubt that you will smash your next one! :-)

My first buckle!! Now I just need to find an excuse to wear it

The heat was a huge factor in this race, people were getting sick everywhere. It really paid off for the lead runners to get past Stein Butte before the hottest part of the day.

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